Directory_and_Chronicle_1909 — Page 1645

• SARAWAK

The territory of Sarawak comprises an area of about 40,000 square miles, with a population of about 500,000, composed of various races. It is situated on the north-west coast of the island of Borneo, is intersected by many rivers navigable for a considerable distance inland, and commands about 400 miles of coast line. The sovereignty of the district from Tanjong Datu to the entrance of the Samaharan river was obtained from the Sultan of Brunei in the year 1842 by Sir James Brooke, who became well known as Rajah Brooke of Sarawak. In 1861 a second cession was obtained, from the Sultan of Brunei, of all the rivers and land from the Samarahan river to Kadurong Point; in 1882 a third cession was obtained of one hundred miles of coast line and all the country and rivers that lie between Kadurong Point and the Baram river, including about three miles of coast on the north-east side of the latter; and in 1885 another cession was obtained of the Trusan river, situated on the north of the mouth of the Brunei river. In 1888 a British Protectorate was established, and in 1890 the Rajah took possession of Limbang, which was approved of by H. M. Government in August, 1891. In 1905 the Lawas district was also added to the Sarawak territory. The present Rajah, H. H. Sir Charles Johnson Brooke, G.C.M.G., is a nephew of Sir James Brooke, and was born 3rd June, 1829, succeeded 1868, married 1869 to Margaret de Windt. His heir-the Rajah Mudah-Charles Vyner Brooke, was born 26th September 1874.

The country produces diamonds, gold, silver, antimony, quicksilver, coal, gutta- percha, india-rubber, canes, rattans, camphor, beeswax, birdsnests, sago, pepper, and gambier. The principal towns are:-Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, situated on the Sarawak river, about 23 miles from its mouth, in latitude 1 deg. 32 min. N., longitude 110 deg. 38 min. E. (approximate). Claude Town, the principal town and fort on the Baram river, is about 60 miles inland. Bintulu, situate at the mouth of the Bintulu river, is famous for its sago. Muka, a few miles up the river of that name, is also noted for its sago and bilian timber. Oya, which lies about 1 miles up the Oya river, and Matu about 5 miles up the Matu river, are both noted for their sago. Sibu is situated about 60 miles, Kanowit about 100 miles, and Kapit about 160 miles up the Rejang river. Rejang village, at the mouth of Rejang river, is noted for its Bilian (iron wood) works. Kabong is situated at the mouth of the Kalaka river. Saribas lies about 80 miles up the river of the same name which has a tidal wave or bore. Simang-gang is about 60 miles up the Batang Lupar river, which also has a bore. Simunjan is situated about 18 miles up the Sadong river, where the Government work a coal mine. Trusan is about 18 miles up the Trusan River and Limbang about 10 miles up the Limbang River, the latter place being noted for its sago. The country shows slow but steady progress.

The revenue for 1900 was 8915,966, against an expenditure of $901,172. In 1902 the revenue rose to $1,792,039 and the expenditure to $1,139,287; and in 1903, 1904 and 1905, the revenue amounted to 1,391,613, $1,321,879, and $1,353,477 respectively, and the annual expenditure about one hundred thousand dollars below these figures. Previous to 1905 the total trade was between thirteen and fourteen million dollars; but since then it has been under twelve millions. The imports for 1907 were valued at 5,172,004; and the exports 6,717,419. But these are Straits dollars, and were the values for the last few years expressed in sterling no material decline in the trade would be shown. The gold export in 1907 was $1,573,800. There is a military force which is armed, equipped and drilled after the English model, the interior economy in barracks of the English Army being closely followed. The fort at Kuching is well armed with modern Armstrong B.L. guns, and provision is made for submarine mines. The force is recruited from Sepoys, Malays and Dyaks.

Harbour, buoy, and light dues:-Three cents per ton, payable on arrival, and chargeable to all vessels of 5 tons and upwards.